There are times in our lives when we feel weak. It could be that we feel physically, mentally, or spiritually weak. We feel as if the goals set in front of us are hard to achieve and there is no way we could ever tackle a problem this big. However, we cannot give up. One of the most memorable verses in the Bible tells us that God will give us the strength to do what we need to do.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

            There is a reason so many people fall back on this Bible verse. It is a reminder of three things. 1) We are not alone. 2) We have an Almighty God who strengthens us. 3) As much as we want to do things on our own, we are stronger when we do things with God. It is important to remember that there isn’t anything that He cannot do. We may not be able to do it, but He can.

“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” – Matthew 19:26

            I have had to remember these verses these past few weeks. Since I decided to expand my blog, I have been doing extra work and it has been draining my energy. I’ve been feeling exhausted and like maybe I should just take a break for a while. However, each time this thought comes to mind, I remember Matthew 26:41 which says:

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

            This is what Jesus said to His disciples a short while before He was taken to be killed. He had asked Peter and two brothers to stay up with Him to pray. However, they all fell asleep…not because of exhaustion, but because they were so full of sorrow. They knew the time they had with the Messiah was coming to an end and it caused them great grief. It is understandable as to why they fell asleep even though Jesus told them to stay awake three times. What we tend to miss is the lesson these men could have learned if they had not fallen asleep. You see, Jesus was filled with grief too. He even says that before He goes off to pray.

“Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.’” – Matthew 26:38

            Jesus could have easily fallen asleep too. It would have given Him temporary relief from the great pain He was feeling at the moment. However, instead of seeking something temporary, He was seeking the strength and comfort that only God can give. That is the reason He wanted the disciples to stay awake with Him. He wanted them to see that no matter how hard or dire things seem, you cannot give in to your circumstances. Seek God, pray to God and He will give you whatever you need to keep going. If the disciples had stayed awake, they would have seen the strength that Jesus got from the Father.

            In the same way, we need to keep our souls awake. Trust me, I understand that it is easy to burn out. However, when you start feeling this way, take that time to look for Him. To talk to Him. He will give you the strength you need to keep on doing what He has sent you to do. I can tell you how, time and time again, I’ve felt tired and weak. All I want to do is sleep. Instead, I take that time to read His word or praise Him through song. Afterward, I feel rejuvenated and refreshed. He gives me what I need to keep going.

            So, for those of you who feel tired and weary, don’t give in to temptation. Don’t let your circumstances defeat you. Instead, start praying, and ask for the strength and energy you lack at the moment. Trust in Him and He will give you what you need to keep on keeping on. God loves you and only wants the best for His children.

“…The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:28-31